Online Liverpool Poll Backs Safe Standing

Leading Liverpool fans' group Spirit of Shankly have now held their vote on the topic of the introduction of safe standing and the vote was in favour.

The BBC report that following an 'emotive and sensitive' debate on the topic surrounding the introduction of safe standing areas into grounds, an open online poll was then held by the group and 88% of 17,910 who took part were in favour of, at the very least, continuing to discuss the issue of safe standing.

With the 1989 Hillsborough disaster still in the news following recent developments, Liverpool themselves know it's a 'uniquely complex' situation to be involved in but it was accepted that the club needed to have a voice at the table with so much interest in the new rail seating designs.

5% were against, with the remainder undecided or wanted to know more details.

Despite the Premier League's steps in investigating the interest from top flight clubs and asking flatly if any clubs would be interested in a potential trial, there are no plans at the moment to try and seek a change to regulations so this is still going to be a long process but as Spirit of Shankly acknowledge themselves, it is a 'significant step given the sensitives' surrounding standing and whether it can ever be considered safe.

Chair Jay McKenna is quoted as saying.

'It's an incredible turnout. We aren't aware of such numbers voting before. After nine months of discussion, we have now had the vote and it will be taken as the position for Spirit of Shankly. The size of the turnout majority means that no-one can be in any doubt that supporters have had their say and made an informed decision.'

Adding that it wasn't yet a result that should be 'overly celebrated' as plenty more talks would be had on the subject.

'We say to anyone who is campaigning for this to understand sensitivities and respect the views of those who disagree. No-one wins here. This has been a mature and sensitive conversation and we have arrived at a position. Those who have been through incredible heartache and tragedy have every right to be heard and to ask important questions about safety. It was important in our conversations to have these answered. It would be wise for that to take place elsewhere.'

With Celtic having rail seats at Celtic Park since the beginning of last season, representatives from the club and the Sports Ground Safety Authority were in attendance prior to the vote taking place.